At the recent 16th Annual AkzoNobel Acoat selected Conference, member shops reported that cumulative year-to-date sales for the group outperformed the market by greater than 12 percent. AkzoNobel noted that the collision repair industry as a whole reports a 15-percent decline in year-to-date business.

“AkzoNobel has long contended that businesses under the Sikkens Acoat selected umbrella represent some of the most competent, capable and most importantly profitable shops in the industry,” stated Mike Sillay, North American services manager for AkzoNobel. “Based on the numbers that were presented by the participating members, we can now add the word ‘prepared’ to the list of accolades. It is proof positive that even in the most challenging of economic circumstances, a well run business can withstand and remain competitive.”

The Amelia Island Conference Center and Resort in Amelia Island, Fla., was the gathering point for the conference. This event brought together more than 90 businesses and 170 individuals for one of the longest-running industry networking and education programs within the collision repair industry.
 
Workshops for the event featured topics pertaining to the reduction of energy consumption, business recession proofing, diplomatic negotiating and compensation methods in a Process Centered Environment.

The conference also included a panel discussion of Automobile OEM experts addressing recent industry issues affecting the collision industry.

Several member shops were recognized for achievements.

Businesses recognized for significant sales growth for the reporting period included:

• 101 Collision – Oxnard, Calif.
• A1 Body and Glass – West Boca, Fla.
• Auto Craft East – Wichita, Kan.
• CARS INC. – Knoxville, Tenn.
• Centre de Collision Laval – Laval, Quebec
• Claude Nolan Cadillac – Jacksonville, Fla.
• Ellis & Salazar Body Shop North – Austin, Texas
• Glaser’s Collision Center – Jeffersontown, Ky.
• Killeen Collision Center – Killeen, Texas
• Mike’s Autobody – Waldorf, Md.

The Business of the Year Award went to Brandywine Coachworks, West Chester, Pa. AkzoNobel says this is the most prestigious of all Acoat selected awards.  It is presented to the business which has proven itself to be a leader in the industry. Candidates for this award must demonstrate exceptional financial performance, customer service excellence and entrepreneurial flair.
 
This year’s Acoat selected Pride Award went to Tony’s Body Shop, Oxnard, Calif. This award goes to the shop that aggressively seeks ways to promote the Acoat selected program. Consideration for receiving this honor includes positive community involvement, improving the image of the collision repair industry and demonstrated excellence in attracting, developing and retaining employees, AkzoNobel says.
 
Eight shops representing 50 years of combined membership in the Acoat selected program were recognized with Longevity Awards. These businesses include:
 
• Pohanka Body Shop – Marlow Heights, Md.
• Elmer’s Body Shop – Elkhart, Ind.
• Cook’s Auto Body – Normal, Ill.
• North Park Collision – San Antonio, Texas
• 5 Star Erie – Erie, Pa.
• Lee-Smith Inc. – Chattanooga, Tenn.
• Lake Shore Int’l. – Milwaukee, Wis.
• International Trucks of Houston – Houston, Texas

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